Durango vs Grand Cherokee L
Rivals in the three-row suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Durango and the Grand Cherokee L are no exception. The Grand Cherokee L is up against it here: the Durango wins 2 of the 3 areas on our scorecard, with engine & performance as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Durango wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Durango wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Space & Practicality2.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Space & Practicality2.0
- Off-road & Towing6.8
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Durango has 67 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Durango makes its strongest case: 360 hp against 293 hp. The Durango’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Durango has 130 lb-ft more torque
The Durango clearly leads on torque, and 390 lb-ft versus 260 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Durango has 2,500 lb more towing capacity
On max towing, the Durango posts 8,700 lb against 6,200 lb for the Grand Cherokee L, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. If you tow regularly, the Durango’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Design & Size
In overall size, the Grand Cherokee L is ahead, which is good news only if a bigger car is what you want.
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 204.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 121.7 in |
Engine & Performance
Durango leads
The Grand Cherokee L is outclassed on engine & performance; the Durango leads by a clear margin. Point to the Durango for 67 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Durango is the safer choice.
Total system output
Durango: 360 hp Grand Cherokee L: 293 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Durango: 390 lb-ft Grand Cherokee L: 260 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Durango leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Durango leads the off-road & towing section with room to spare. The Durango stands out with 2,500 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the Durango.
Max towing
Durango: 8,700 lb Grand Cherokee L: 6,200 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Durango | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 5.7L V8 (HEMI) | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) |
| Total system output | 360 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 293 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (4x4 available) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Durango | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 17.2 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 85.1 cu ft | 84.6 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Durango | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class | 6,200 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Durango | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 204.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 121.7 in |
Price
| Spec | Durango | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,495 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Durango if…
- you want more power (360 hp vs 293 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (390 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (8,700 lb vs 6,200 lb)
Choose the Grand Cherokee L if…
- you prefer a larger car and have the room for it
- you’re loyal to Jeep and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Durango or the Grand Cherokee L?
On the specs compared here, the Durango makes more sense for most buyers; the Grand Cherokee L doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Durango or the Grand Cherokee L?
The Grand Cherokee L is the larger of the two. It measures 204.9 in, compared with 200.8 × 75.8 × 71.9 in for the Durango.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Durango and the Grand Cherokee L. The biggest reason I lean toward the Durango is simple: it has 67 hp more power. Stack 2,500 lb more towing capacity on top of that, and the Durango’s lead grows.
For engine & performance, the Durango fits better. For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Grand Cherokee L is the better match.
My pick: the Durango.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.